Juventus’ long awaited return to the top European club competition was a successful one, with the Bianconeri winning their opener 1-0 against the Russians of Zenit St. Petersburg thanks to a wonder strike from Del Piero.

Juve travel to Minsk in this encounter with a few injury worries to contend with. Italian international goalkeeper Buffon has been injured since last week with a thigh problem and has been left off the squad list in favour of Alex Manninger. Christian Poulsen is also going to be rested for this week’s European encounter, but Nicola Legrottaglie is available. David Trezeguet and Cristiano Zanetti are also still out injured. Viktor Goncharenko’s BATE Borisov did well against Real Madrid in the last game, losing 2-0 but impressing throughout.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org

Lyon scored twice in the last 17 minutes to deny Fiorentina the win in a lively 2-2 draw at the Stade Gerland in France.

Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino put the Viola two goals ahead by half time with two headers. Things were going the Viola’s way before Lyon made a staggering comeback, with Frederic Piquionne scoring for the French champions. The talented Karim Benzema finished off the revival by blasting a deflected shot into the back off the net in the 86th minute. Thus both teams shared a point each, beginning this years competition in entertaining fashion.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org

Juventus’ long awaited return to the top European club competition was a successful one, with the Bianconeri winning their opener 1-0 against the Russians of Zenit St. Petersburg.

A second-half goal from Alessandro Del Piero was enough for Juventus to see off the UEFA Cup holders in a lively match in Group H opener. Juve’s talismanic striker powered a trademark free-kick late in the game to win all three precious points in Turin and set things into motion in a tough group that includes Spanish Champions Real Madrid.

Peter Pedroncelli - footballitaliano.org